I just love to quilt fabric because it adds so much texture and dimension to a piece-whether it's a bed quilt, a wall quilt, a garment, a purse, a bouquet of vibrant flowers, or a perfect, and everlasting, lapel posy.

A bold flower dresses up a lapel.

Let me show you how to make some nifty quilted flowers. They're really fast and easy. All you need are some fabric and batting scraps; thread; and some small, colorful buttons. And a sewing machine, of course.

1. Cut out some shapes that look like petals. You'll need two for each petal. I like to use silk taffeta because it's crisp and shiny and easy to handle. Use one color for the petal top and another for the bottom. Cut out a same-shape piece of batting for each petal. Use a needle-punch batting or a firm poly batting because it will be easier to shape the petal after stitching.

Cut up a bunch of petal shapes from some fabric and batting.

2. Sandwich the batting piece between two pieces of fabric and stitch some lines through the layers. You can use simple vertical lines or lines that look like veins of a leaf, or be more whimsical and fill your petals with circles, curlycues, zigzagging stitching, whatever. Be creative!

larainy writes: I love your flowers. Very creative. I had problem with printing the instructions they did not print.
Posted: 6:51 pm on March 17th

Tally writes: Good idea
I'll give it a try sometime this grey winter for sure.
Need flowers!
thanks for sharing
Posted: 10:54 am on December 1st

MaryRay writes: Thanks for your comments. Let me answer your questions.
For sure you could sew the petals first and then cut them out. However, I cut out the shapes first so I can make the batting a little smaller. Then it won't show along the edges. On the other hand, the satin stitching binds the outer edges and -- if the batting is not too thick -- it will be covered with this step. How did I attach them? I just hand stitched them in place. But, gluing on or sewing on a pin back is also a good idea!

LoHobson writes: Mary, You have imspired me for the day! I'm going back to my sewing machine tonight.
Posted: 4:32 pm on September 23rd

lauraflora writes: These are really nice, and a great way to use up small pieces of special fabric, making something unique in design with many possible applications. I will try some of these for a new project - maybe on a 3 d wall hanging, or to decorate a jacket or purse.
Posted: 12:31 am on September 21st

Joan71 writes: Mary, these are beautiful as is your jacket. You said was made from ribbons?? Such a talent..Thanks so much for sharing with everyone.
Posted: 9:38 pm on September 20th

thefairymaker writes: Love these flowers. I'm going top make them today and send a pic of them. BEAUTIFUL!!
Posted: 12:25 pm on September 20th

jpattyjack writes: I love these flowers. How did you attach them? Did you put a pin back on them?
Thanks,
Jackie
Posted: 8:48 am on September 20th

queenopearls writes: Beautiful Mary Ray! The texture and artistic qualities are wonderful. Many MANY possibilities, so great of you to share.
Question: Any reason why you don't/can't create the leaves and then cut them out?

Posted: 7:39 am on September 20th

LindaPermann writes: these are pretty Mary! I am adding them to my to make/gift list.
Posted: 3:07 am on September 18th